University of Arizona College of Nursing

Congratulations to Nursing graduate Dominique Zuniga ('25), who received the 2026 Outstanding Baccalaureate Student in the Field of Community/Public Health Nursing Award from the Association of Community Health Nursing Educators. As a student, she helped turn community concerns into action by advocating for infrastructure improvements in Summit, Arizona, a rural community facing significant health and environmental challenges. Her leadership brought residents' voices to decision-makers and helped drive changes that improved access to essential services and supported healthier communities. READ MORE: https://bit.ly/4oQhVcJ

From Nursing Student to Community Advocate: Dominique Zuniga Receives National Recognition As a nursing student, Dominique Zuniga (’25) helped turn community concerns into action by advocating for infrastructure improvements that could improve health outcomes for residents of Summit, Arizona. Her leadership, service, and commitment to health equity have now earned her national recogniti...

Lead our top-tier, CCNE-accredited master’s program in Tucson and inspire the next generation of nurses! This full-time, career-track faculty leadership role integrates teaching, mentorship, innovation, and strategic program direction to advance the curriculum, ensure accreditation excellence, and strengthen clinical and community partnerships. If you’re a collaborative nurse leader with a doctoral degree, this is your opportunity. Work in a supportive academic environment while enjoying outstanding university benefits. APPLY NOW: https://bit.ly/4fhengH

Congratulations to the CRNA Class of 2029 on participating in RISE this week at the College of Nursing! Students went through program orientation and engaged in sessions tailored to their DNP speciality, meeting fellow students as well as faculty. We are excited to welcome this cohort as they begin their journey in advanced practice nursing and leadership!

Please join us in congratulating Cindy J. Rishel, PhD, RN, OCN, NEA-BC, on her appointment as interim dean of the U of A College of Nursing, effective June 10, 2026. A clinical professor, award-winning educator, and college alumna, Dr. Rishel brings more than 50 years of nursing and healthcare leadership experience to the role. Since joining the faculty in 2011, she has mentored future nurses and healthcare leaders and helped advance leadership education across the college. We look forward to her leadership as we continue to advance excellence in nursing education, research, clinical practice, and service. READ MORE: https://shorturl.at/aq7cR

Ying Chen, a PhD student at the College of Nursing, is advancing research on remotely delivered Tai Chi and Qigong interventions for older adults and breast cancer survivors under the mentorship of professor Ruth Taylor-Piliae. Their research, presented at Harvard Medical School’s Science of Tai Chi & Qigong conference, found that virtual Tai Chi programs are highly feasible, well accepted, and can help overcome barriers such as transportation, mobility, and geographic distance. Both Chen and Taylor-Piliae hope to expand access to evidence-based Tai Chi and Qigong programs in healthcare and community settings worldwide. READ MORE: https://bit.ly/4elSH10

Two University of Arizona College of Nursing alumni, Jennifer Mensik Kennedy and Valerie J. Fuller, are serving as presidents of the nation’s two leading nursing organizations, the American Nurses Association and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Their leadership reflects the college’s longstanding commitment to preparing nurse scholars and advocates who influence healthcare policy and improve patient outcomes nationwide. As they help shape the future of nursing, Kennedy and Fuller exemplify the far-reaching impact of University of Arizona nursing alumni across the profession. READ MORE: https://bit.ly/4uKAJMA